Ap1400V Installers’ Guide Page 13 of 15
11 MODES OF OPERATION
The Ap1400V has two operating modes, when not actually printing:
"Idle Mode": ready to accept data, but no data in the buffer awaiting printing, and the
printer motor is not running;
"Spool Mode": active, but storing data for later printing.
Modes are indicated by different colour combinations on the front-panel LED (see section 8).
11.1 IDLE MODE
In idle mode, the printer is ready to receive data, which will be printed as soon as complete lines or
graphics patterns are decoded. It responds to the paper feed button in the normal way, and can also
produce a demonstration print (see below).
11.2 SPOOL MODE
In spool mode, data is received and stored, but not printed. This is useful when printing needs to be
suppressed during data transfer (for example in mobile radio systems); or when the printer is unable
to print because the paper has run out or the lid is open.
The Ap1400V will automatically enter spool mode when the paper is out, when the head is up, or if
some other error condition occurs, or alternatively by command from the host. Spool mode may be
cleared by host command, automatically when the condition is cleared, or by "double-clicking" the
feed button.
12 PAPER
Pressing the paper feed button when the printer is idle, or in spool mode, advances paper at up to 80
mm per second. However, the feed button has additional functions:
"Double-clicking" the button:
(i.e. pressing and releasing twice in quick succession just like a PC mouse)
in idle mode, prints a demo/test message including the firmware version, encoded
calibration data, and the full character set;
in spool mode, or having been out of paper, prints any stored data and enters idle mode.
Some of the functions of the paper feed button can be invoked or disabled under control of the host.
13 LED INDICATIONS
The LED indicator at the front of the Ap1400V has a number of colour combinations, which repeat in
up to a 4-phase pattern to provide status information (see table below).
In summary, if the LED is constant green it indicates that the printer is operating normally. Flashing
on and off indicates that Spool mode is active and no printing can take place. Red warns of a low
power supply voltage or other problem. No light indicates that the unit is off.
LED Pattern Table
Pattern
Power Status
Buffer Mode
Constant Green
OK
Normal
Fast Flashing Green
OK
Spool *
Long Green - Short Red
Low Voltage
Normal
Short Green - Short Red
Low Voltage
Spool *
Fast Flashing Red
Error Condition
Spool (Printing prohibited)
No light
Printer is off
*
(Spool may have resulted from Paper Out or Head Up conditions)
Although this table may seem complicated, few applications will produce many of the combinations.
Other LED Patterns
Other LED patterns may be programmed into the Ap1400 on request or by the system designer.
Please refer to the Programmers’ Guide for details of how to configure these functions.
